Ontario SPCA seeks information from the public about cat found in garbage bag

IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Brampton, ON (July 18, 2017) – The Ontario SPCA is seeking information from the public after a cat was found in a dumpster in Brampton, trapped inside a garbage bag.

An approximately 13-year-old grey short-hair domestic cat was found inside a black garbage bag near Finch Avenue West and Highway 427 on June 27, 2017. A litter pan was found inside the bag with the cat. Children passing by heard the cat meowing from inside the garbage dumpster and contacted the staff at Indian Line Campground who then called Brampton Animal Services. Brampton Animal Services were the first on scene and, due to the circumstances, they reported the situation to the Ontario SPCA.

The cat was found in immediate distress; it was unable to stand or walk and had difficulty breathing. It was rushed to a veterinary clinic where it was humanely euthanized at the recommendation of the veterinarian due to the severity of its condition.

The Ontario SPCA wants to speak to anyone with any information about this cat, or who may have witnessed anything unusual in the area of Finch Avenue West and Highway 427 near the dumpsters at Indian Line Campground on Tuesday, June 27 between approximately 12 noon and 5 p.m.

“Brampton Animal Services takes in animals from our residents daily. It is very concerning to see an incident like this, where we could have simply helped a person so this animal wouldn’t have to suffer,” says Kathy Duncan, Manager, Brampton Animal Services. “If you cannot care for an animal, there are many other options rather than releasing or disposing of it in this way. We urge residents to contact their local shelter for assistance if they ever feel they can no longer care for an animal.”

If you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please call 310-SPCA (7722) immediately.

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of close to 50 communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.